God is still in control

Recently, each night as I go to bed, I am no longer overwhelmed by the television broadcasts of  the pressing issues and endless turmoil engulfing our nation and the nations of the world. Each morning, I wake up with gratitude in my heart for understanding something clearly about each new day. As the day unfolds, I remember the words of 1 Timothy 3:1 (Amplified Bible):

But understand this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear].

I also remember words on a silver-framed plaque given to me: “God is in control!” These comforting words remind us to “de-stress” and hold to His unchanging hand that protects and provides for us. Other scriptures also came to mind, beginning with Isaiah 43:10, 13 (Amplified Bible):

‘Do not fear [anything], for I am with you;
Do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you;
I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].’

¹³ 
“For I the Lord your God keep hold of your right hand; [I am the Lord],
Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’

Another verse providing comfort and strength particularly at this time comes from

Psalm 46:10 (New Living Translation):

Be still and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.

The verse begins with a quiet command to be still, to take no action and enter a state of tranquility. We recognize, however, following such a simple command is sometime easier said than done. Note the circumstances surrounding one of the first references to the expression found in Exodus 14:14. Here Moses is leading the Children of Israel out of the bondage of Egypt moving toward the Promised Land. Shortly after departing, they encounter a crisis that screamed “No Way!” Straight ahead is the Red Sea, and behind are the armies of Pharaoh in hot pursuit. Moses speaks words of assurance:

Exodus 14:14 (Revised Standard Version):

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still.”

Psalm 37:7 also provides this exhortation [Amplified Bible]:

Be still before the Lord; wait patiently for Him and entrust yourself to Him; Do not fret (whine, agonize) because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who conducts wicked schemes.

When believers recognize the magnitude of God’s power and His love toward us, there is never a need to fear, even though we may encounter tempestuous times that attempt to shake our very foundations. The Psalmist offers thanks to God for His deliverance out of all our troubles:

Psalm 107: 29-30:

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress;
²⁹ he made the storm be still,
    and the waves of the sea were hushed.
³⁰ Then they were glad because they had quiet,
    and he brought them to their desired haven.

As we encounter the storms of life, we can anchor our souls in the Lord, knowing that He is in control as we recall Psalm 46:10, the inspiration for this original poetic response:

Be Still and Know

Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!

Psalms 46:10

Be still and know that I am God, that I am the eternal one.

Though your cherished dreams seem to have faded and gone

The way of all flesh, my divine plans you shall see,

As I weave the tapestry of eternity.

Though you seem forsaken, you are never alone,

Even when the burden of dark sin cannot atone,

And the hearts of men have hardened and turned to stone:

Be still and know that I am God.

Though storms may overwhelm, and friends may abandon

When diseases surface to assault flesh and bone.

These scenes reveal people whom we thought we could be,

As words of the Psalmist also help us to see,

When this life is over, and all is said and done:

Be still and know that I am God.

As we pause and calmly think about that—as we “Selah” this message, we also give heed to these words—

We Will be Still

We will be still and know that God is with us.

We will be still and anchor our souls in peace.

As we trust in the Lord, every storm will cease.

In closing, listen to Elevation Worship along with Naomi Raine and Israel Houghton who offer this reminder: “God will Work It Out”:

Tags: 1 Timothy 1:3, Be Still and Know, Bible, Exodus 14:14, faith, god, God is in control, God is working now, God Will Work It Out, Isaiah 43:10, Isaiah 43:13, Psalm 107: 29-30, Psalm 37:7, Psalm 46:10